The vineyard’s best upgrade? Switching to electric pruners
In the heart of winter, as the vines fall into dormancy, vineyard workers across the world begin one of the most crucial—and physically demanding—tasks in viticulture: pruning. In wine regions like Beaujolais, where tradition meets precision, pruning is more than maintenance. It’s a ritual that shapes the year’s harvest.
Yet over the past few decades, a quiet technological shift has transformed this essential task. What was once a slow, repetitive, and often painful manual process is now made faster, safer, and more consistent thanks to a powerful innovation: electric pruning shears. Born in France and now embraced globally, these tools are no longer a luxury but a necessity.
A game-changer in modern vineyard management
A french innovation that went global
The story of electric pruning shears starts not in Silicon Valley, but in the vineyards of southern France.
In 1984, Daniel Delmas, a winemaker from Gaillac, set out to solve a problem that plagued countless vineyard workers: repetitive strain injuries caused by manual pruning. His invention, the Electrocoup, became the first electric pruning shear in the world—an ergonomic breakthrough that would go on to transform the industry.
What began as a practical tool for local growers quickly gained momentum. By the late 1980s, hundreds of vineyard professionals had adopted this innovation. The company INFACO (short for INnovation, FAbrication, COmmercialisation) was born, and over time, it became a global leader in professional pruning technology.
Today, INFACO holds over 60% of the global market share, and its tools are used in vineyards from California to Chile, and from Australia to the steep slopes of the Rhône and Beaujolais.
The Rise of Electric Pruners in Beaujolais and Beyond
In regions like Beaujolais—where vineyards are often planted on steep hillsides and worked manually—electric pruning shears have become an essential tool. According to industry sources, 95% of professional vineyard workers in France now use electric pruners. That’s a staggering adoption rate for any agricultural innovation.
Why such widespread use? Because pruning isn’t just about cutting wood—it’s about making thousands of precise cuts per day, often in cold, wet conditions. Manual shears may offer control, but they also put enormous strain on the body. Over time, they lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), tendonitis, and even permanent shoulder or wrist damage.
In contrast, modern electric pruners are faster, safer, and far more efficient. Vineyard crews can cover more ground in less time, with less fatigue and fewer injuries. For winegrowers, that means better vine care, more consistent pruning quality, and ultimately, better grapes.
Why switch to electric? Tangible benefits for vineyard workers
Unmatched cutting efficiency
Pruning isn’t just repetitive—it’s relentless. Vineyard workers often make 10,000 to 13,000 cuts per day during the pruning season. That kind of workload demands a tool that can keep up without compromising on quality or speed. And that’s exactly where electric pruners shine.
With an average cutting speed of 0.22 seconds per cut, today’s electric models are up to ten times more efficient than manual shears. They allow workers to maintain a fast and consistent rhythm, even on dense or woody vines, without fatigue.
Electric pruners like the F3020 offer the precision and power professionals demand. This electric pruning shears, for example, features:
- A cutting capacity of up to 45mm in diameter
- Adjustable blade opening
- Brushless motor for enhanced longevity
- Long battery life allowing a full day of pruning on a single charge
This level of performance translates to higher productivity and better vine management—especially critical in regions like Beaujolais where pruning decisions impact both yield and grape quality.
A real solution to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
Beyond performance, one of the strongest arguments for going electric is worker health. Pruning is physically taxing, and for decades, it has been associated with serious musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tendonitis and chronic shoulder pain
According to the French Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA), 94% of all agricultural occupational diseases are MSD-related, with viticulture being the most affected sector. The introduction of electric pruners has significantly reduced the strain on hands, wrists, and shoulders, helping workers avoid long-term injuries and sick leave.
It’s no surprise that a vast majority of French professionals have made the switch. Companies like Infaco USA, the American branch of the pioneering French manufacturer, are now bringing this health-conscious innovation to North American vineyards as well.
In short, electric pruners don’t just cut vines—they cut injury risks, reduce fatigue, and extend careers in one of agriculture’s most physically demanding roles.
Focus on safety, ergonomics, and tech advancements
Next-gen features: smart, safe, and powerful
Electric pruners have evolved far beyond simple motorized blades. Today’s models come loaded with advanced features designed to improve both user experience and vine health.
Here are some key technologies you’ll find in high-end models:
- Activ’Security system: A smart safety mechanism that instantly stops the blade if it detects contact with the user’s skin—helping prevent serious injuries in the field.
- Brushless motor (21,000 RPM): High-performance, low-maintenance motors that are quieter and more durable than older models.
- Battery-powered portability: With lightweight lithium batteries and ergonomic harnesses, modern pruners allow a full day’s work without cable clutter.
- Blade calibration and digital settings: Customize blade opening width or cutting speed depending on the thickness or fragility of the vine.
Some systems also integrate with mobile apps, giving vineyard managers access to stats on tool usage, battery life, and maintenance needs—a step toward data-driven viticulture.
How to maintain your tool for maximum lifespan
As with any precision tool, regular maintenance is key to keeping electric pruners sharp, fast, and safe.
Here are a few best practices recommended by manufacturers and trainers:
- Sharpen the blade daily: A dull blade not only slows down your work—it can damage the vine and increase fatigue.
- Lubricate moving parts regularly to reduce friction and wear.
- Check the safety system weekly to ensure it’s calibrated correctly.
- Store batteries correctly and avoid full discharge cycles to preserve their longevity.
Professional users often pair their purchase with a service plan or choose long-term leasing options that include maintenance and replacement parts.
Electric pruning shears are a reflection of how far vineyard management has come. They bring together ergonomics, technology, and respect for traditional vine care, helping winegrowers do more, hurt less, and protect the longevity of both their vines and their teams.
From Beaujolais to California, more and more professionals are embracing this transformation—not only for efficiency, but for the well-being of those who make great wine possible.